This summer I am getting the incredible chance to work for Pollinate Energy, a social business that makes clean, low-cost, sustainable, off-the-grid energy products such as solar-powered lights, water filters and improved cooking stoves accessible to India’s urban poor. I will spend one month supporting projects (such as community surveys to determine need, trialling new products in communities, collecting customer data through interviews or conducting case assessments for new Pollinators or new products) within Kolkata’s urban slums. The goal is to make sure the local Pollinator can be successful in their own micro-business, bringing affordable and life changing products to the hands of people who need them most.
As many of you know I am really passionate about environmental protection and climate justice. I believe strongly in the connection between human rights and a cleaner world. Thousands of slum communities across India have no access to electricity, forcing them to rely on burning dangerous and environmentally inadequate kerosene lamps. It is incredibly difficult to perform even the most basic of household activities with such a deficient light source.
It’s an incredibly empowering and engaging business model. Pollinate is transforming difficulties into leaps forward and they have already reached over 60,000 people! I am invested in this mission and would be very grateful if you would support me!
All of the money raised will go towards Pollinate Energy and form the starting capital for new Pollinators.
If you would like to read more about the urban poverty situation in India, you can click here. More importantly, I am starting a blog to tell you more about why this matters to me and what I will be doing. More will be coming soon, but you can take a look here. This is also the link to my photo portfolio and I would love to give anyone who donates a postcard with any photo you like – or one that I will take in Kolkata!
Thank you and I love you!
Pollinate Energy is a social business that makes clean, low-cost, sustainable, off-the-grid energy accessible to India’s urban poor.